Our surroundings are more than the backdrop to our lives — they are also the soundtrack, the inspiration, the context. With this philosophy, were-imagine and transform spaces into a complete context for your lifestyle.

It's always fun to bring something thoughtful for the hosts, whether the event be a weekend getaway, a laid back barbecue, or a glam dockside dinner. Since there's enough time in the upcoming cooler months to be serious and sophisticated, here are a few fun and frivolous gift suggestions to capture the playful, vacation spirit of the final days and nights of summer.

But earlier this summer, as I made my way to the IGA to stock up on basics, I noticed a number of changes to Southold – especially in the area of home goods – furniture, food stuffs, décor, etc. So a couple of weekends ago, I took time away from my very full agenda of reading on the porch, to window shop, snap photos and stroll Main Street in Southold.

Many, many species of trees play roles throughout the novel. Early on, characters work with an indigenous community to dry large sheets of birch bark for sheathing canoes and wigwams. In our current life, the birch is still celebrated and used for furniture and building products, paper, trees, medicinal items, food and drink stuffs, ropes and the like. And that's the meandering path I took to the main content of this post...

Last week I found myself disassembling the contents of my son’s “walk-in” closet including the shelves, hanging rods and drawers. About five hours later, I reassembled the whole thing. Along with a few (multiple) grumbles along the way, I was reminded of both why I love and hate Elfa shelving and drawer systems.